Sharing historical memories between Morocco and Vietnam

The conference on historical relations between Morocco and Vietnam is a forum for renowned professors, historians and Vietnamese experts to discuss lessons drawn from historical memories shared between Morocco and Vietnam.

Speaking at the opening of the workshop, Prof. Dr. Pham Quang Minh - Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities (VNU) - emphasized: The workshop will play a fundamental role in further developing bilateral relations between Morocco and Vietnam, enhancing scientific cooperation in research programs on social sciences and humanities, promoting cultural and academic cooperation between the two countries.

Moroccan Ambassador to Vietnam Azzeddine Farhane emphasized: Although the two countries are geographically distant, they are close in history - both steadfastly fighting for independence and freedom. Let us look back at historical memories, consider current conditions to find a common action plan, promote the development of cooperation areas in the future.

In his speech at the conference, Dr. El Mostafa El Ktiri - President of the High Commission for Resistance and former member of the Moroccan Liberation Army - said: “The historical relations between Morocco and Vietnam began during the Indochina War in the late 1940s and early 1950s, when the French protectorate in Morocco gathered thousands of Moroccan youth under the banner of the French expeditionary army.

After years of fighting in Vietnam, a large number of Moroccan soldiers of the French expeditionary army realized the justice and proactively left the ranks to turn to the Viet Minh.

Having gone through many ups and downs of history, each of us has the duty to engrave historical and cultural memories to educate and propagate to future generations about ideals and humanistic values, the spirit of solidarity and charity so that the two nations can come closer and understand each other more deeply, creating conditions for developing bilateral cooperation in all fields.

After presenting a summary of the historical relations and prospects for cooperation between the two countries, Prof. Dr. Nguyen Van Kim - University of Social Sciences and Humanities - emphasized: The similarities in many aspects between the two countries are fundamental advantages that lay the foundation as well as promote sustainable cooperation and development in all fields.

Director of the Moroccan Institute for Social Studies - Mr. Abdellah Saaf - commented: The long-standing and deep historical relationship between the two countries creates momentum for bilateral cooperation. The visit to Vietnam and today's conference are a good opportunity to build an effective and successful cooperative relationship between Mohammed V University and Hanoi National University, while promoting cooperation in many other economic, political and cultural fields.

Mr. Vu Hong Nam - Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam - emphasized that the presentations at the workshop have clarified the history and historical relationship between the two countries, and at the same time found directions for the two countries to continue to connect and develop together in the spirit of empathy, support, and sharing for each other's interests in the international arena.

After the Workshop, the parties will visit the “Morocco Gate” in Tan Linh, Ba Vi (Hanoi) - a Moroccan architectural landmark built between 1956 and 1960 by Moroccan soldiers who abandoned the French army to join the Viet Minh during the Indochina War, reflecting the solidarity and humanitarian spirit between Morocco and Vietnam.